When you are looking for memory care for your loved one, there are a lot of questions on your mind. With so much information, options and unknowns, it can be difficult to find the right memory care community. This blog will explore what memory care is, how to know if memory care is needed, and when to move to into a memory care community

What is Memory Care for Seniors?

Memory care provides specialized care to residents living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. At Heritage Pointe, around-the-clock care is provided and is personalized to each resident. It is an important part of our memory care community that our staff supports each resident’s individuality through personalized care and research-based, life-enriching programs.

We work to understand our residents’ life experiences, daily routines and interests to enhance their quality of life while providing safety and a sense of daily purpose. No matter the level of support needed, our staff is prepared to provide high-quality memory care.

How to Know if Memory Care is Needed

Forgetting things from time to time is a normal part of aging. Age-related memory loss shouldn’t cause a major disruption in you or your loved one’s life.

According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia may include:

•  Changes in memory, reasoning or thinking
•  Asking the same questions often
• Forgetting common words
• Mixing up words
• Taking longer to complete familiar tasks
• Getting lost in a familiar area
• Drastic mood changes

If you suspect you or your loved one is showing signs of Alzheimer’s or dementia, it’s important to be assessed by a doctor who will ask a series of questions to determine the degree of memory loss. A dementia diagnosis is the first step to acceptance before finding treatment and appropriate living plans.

Even if care is not immediately needed, it can ease stress later to find a memory care community now that would be a good fit down the road. Our team at Heritage Pointe is ready to support you or your loved one through this journey.

When to Move to a Memory Care Community

There isn’t a one-size fits all approach when transitioning into a memory care community.

The Alzheimer’s Association recommends using the following questions to determine if living at home is no longer an option:

• Is your loved one becoming unsafe in their current home?
• Is the health of your loved one, or your health as a caregiver, at risk?
• As a caregiver, are your loved one’s care needs beyond your ability?
• Would structure and social interaction benefit your loved one?
• Are you becoming stressed, irritable or impatient as a caregiver?
• Does your loved one require medication or monitoring you can’t provide?

If your loved one doesn’t need care today, but you’re worried the answers to these questions may change, it could be beneficial to explore memory care communities now. It’s never too early to tour communities and ask questions. Oftentimes, communities have waitlists that provide some buffer time to get your bearings before moving your loved one.

We know finding Alzheimer’s and dementia care is overwhelming and emotional. You are not alone — connect with our team today to learn more about Heritage Pointe and our memory care community.

Deciding to move a loved one from their home or assisted living community into memory care is a difficult one. Having a transition plan for Alzheimer’s and dementia care can make the process smooth, efficient, and less scary for everyone, including the person suffering. Part of this transition plan is knowing the signs of these cognitive conditions worsening, and deciding at what point symptoms can no longer be managed without specialized care. But how do you know when it’s time for memory care?

What is Memory Care?

Memory care for seniors is specialized care designed for older adults suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Dementia is not a specific disease, but a general term to describe a wide range of symptoms severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s is a degenerative brain disease and the most common cause of dementia. According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), to be eligible for memory care, “(an) older adults must have a diagnosis of dementia and a need for around-the-clock supervision.”

What is the Difference Between Memory Care and Assisted Living?

While similar to assisted living communities, memory care communities offer additional services and safety precautions, such as secured outdoor areas and locked doors to prevent residents from wandering away. Like assisted living, memory care usually includes amenities like regular housekeeping, three nutritious meals a day, assistance with activities of daily living, also known as ADLS, like grooming or bathing, and some form of nursing care.

While assisted living communities offer nursing assistance, nurses caring for individuals with dementia are required to undergo regular training on abuse prevention and proper care. Special activities are also incorporated into the daily routine of those in memory care, including cognitive games and reminiscence therapy.

Now that we know the differences between these two care types, when is it time to move our loved ones from assisted living to memory care?

Signs it’s Time to Move Your Loved One to Memory Care
 

#1 Poor Hygienic Habits

Declining hygiene can be the first and most important sign of cognitive decline in seniors with memory issues. From bathing to clothing to the condition of their home, an inability to take care of basic hygienic tasks may mean more care is needed. But this, coupled with other declines, may mean it’s time to transition to skilled nursing care and housekeeping that comes with memory care.

#2 Safety is a Concern

This can include safety to oneself and to others. Self-destructive behaviors usually seen with dementia include difficulty with or forgetting to eat and drink, a lack of sleep, weight loss and/or gain or general confusion that causes wandering and can lead to injury. According to Frontiers in Neurology, cognitive decline associated with dementia can also lead to behavioral and psychological symptoms like “agitation, aberrant motor behavior, anxiety, elation, irritability, depression, apathy, disinhibition, delusions, hallucinations, and sleep or appetite changes.” These symptoms also correlate with greater caregiver burden, known to reduce caregiver quality of life. Enrolling your loved one in memory care ensures a safe environment with around-the-clock care that allows loved ones to return to their role as a loved one instead of a caretaker.

#3 Difficulty Socializing

Seniors suffering from dementia may withdraw over time or communicate less as they find it more difficult to do. This withdrawal can lead to depression or apathy. Many memory care communities offer planned social engagement and physical exercise, which many studies indicate lower the risk of or slow cognitive decline.

#4 They Lose Track of the Passage of Time

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, approximately 40% of individuals over 65 deal with age-associated memory loss. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 5% to 8% of people over the age of 60 will live with dementia at some point. There is a difference, however, between the two. Those experiencing age-associated memory loss are still able to care for themselves, complete tasks and learn new things. People with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia lose track of dates, seasons, the passage of time and often forget where they are. If memory loss becomes this severe, memory care may be necessary for your loved one’s well-being.

#5 Loss of Interest in Activities

Depression and apathy are common conditions associated with Alzheimer’s and dementia, which can stem from any number of things – depression over the diagnoses, social isolation, side effects from certain medications and general confusion being leading factors. Commonly, people suffering from these illnesses experience hopelessness or a loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy.  Memory care communities can help treat these issues through many different methods, including psychology or “talking therapy”.

At Heritage Pointe, we provide the uplifting, engaging lifestyle and around-the-clock care your loved one needs and you want. With us, days are filled with joyful moments to ensure Residents still have opportunities to lead enriching lives, filled with the happiness —  and smiles —  simple pleasures can bring. Learn more about our memory care by visiting our website.